PetSmart Associate Adoption Success Story: Parker & Bagheera

Parker began her #LifeAtPetSmart in our stores and now works at our Home Office on the social media team. Check out the sweet story of how she met her fur baby below!

Earlier this year, Parker lost her 18-year-old cat, Kitty, after a lengthy battle with kidney failure. She cherished every second of her 18 perfect years with Kitty, and Kitty truly was Parker’s best friend. After losing her, Parker was unsure whether or not she would adopt again for a while. However, part of her knew that she would open her heart up to another cat when the timing felt right.

In May, PetSmart Charities hosted an event at Phoenix Home Office (PHO) to celebrate 10 million adoptions. This event hosted a few dogs and cats that were still looking for their fur-ever home, and this is where Parker met Buddy, a young, curious kitten. When she picked Buddy up for the first time, he instantly greeted her with the loudest “purr” and fell asleep in her hands soon after. Right at that moment, Parker knew that he needed to be a part of her little fur family.

After thinking it through and a second meet-and-greet, Parker officially adopted Buddy– who is now named Bagheera, based on the Disney’s movie, The Jungle Book. He has been the silliest, sweetest, bravest kitty during their first week together and has perfectly fit in with the rest of Parker’s pack.

Look how cute Bagheera is!

“I genuinely believe one of the best ways to honor a pet you lost is to share that love with another,” says Parker. “I will never forget the 18 years I spent with Kitty, and she will always have the most special place in my heart, but when I met Bagheera, it just felt right, and I knew it was time to open my heart up to another pet that needed me.”

Check out more fun from Parker's #LifeAtPetSmart. 🥳